President Ruto defends decision to nominate ODM leaders to his Cabinet

President William Ruto says the formation of the broad-based government is aimed at enhancing peace and unity in the country.

While addressing a gathering in Tharaka Nithi County on Tuesday, President Ruto defended the inclusion of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members into the Cabinet saying it will serve to unite the country and allow the government to deliver on its promises.

According to the Head of State, all Kenyans are equal, are taxed equally, and also share in repaying the country’s debt equally regardless of their political affiliations.

He therefore argued that including opposition leaders in his regime would help to bridge the rift among the Kenyans, forging a nation that would drive the economy forward.

“Jana nimeunda serikali kuunganisha sisi wote kwa sababu sasa tumesema hakuna haja ya kubaguana tena. Si tunataka kulipa ushuru pamoja? Si tunataka kulipa madeni pamoja? Si tunataka kufanya maendeleo pamoja? Si watu wote wanalipa ushuru? Sasa tuungane, tuunde serikali itakayoshughulikia kila mtu ili maendeleo iweze kusonga mbele,” he stated.

The President likewise condemned the ongoing anti-government protests which he said were leading to unrest and crippling the country’s economy.

He implored citizens to protect the country from chaos and destruction, reiterating that “Kenya is our home” and that it is “the only country we have.”

“I am asking all Kenyans, there is no need of destroying our country; there is no need for violence, destruction of public property, looting of other people’s property and chaos which lead to loss of lives,” Ruto said.

“Let’s unite together…we don’t have any other country. If we destroy this nation, we don’t have any other to go to…ama kuna mtu ako na nchi ingine tuhamie huko sisi sote?”

President Ruto who was on a tour of Tharaka Nithi also launched several development projects, including Kakimiki Water Project which will enhance access to water for 30,000 residents in the region.

“Huu maradi ulijengwa hapa mbeleni ulitumia millioni 100, na sasa leo tumekuja hapa kupanua huu mradi na tumeweka millioni 180. Kwa sababu ya mradi huu, watu 30,000 watafaidika,” he said.

The remarks by President Ruto come amidst public uproar as a result of the nomination of four opposition members into the Cabinet.

The four nominees include Nominated MP John Mbadi (Treasury), Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy),and former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho who will head the Mining and Blue Economy ministry.

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, on the other hand, was fronted to take charge of the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development docket.